After violence, Jacksonville's sheriff seeks new way to manage protests

Wednesday

Apr 12, 2017 at 8:38 AMApr 12, 2017 at 8:38 AM

The Associated Press

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville's sheriff is looking at new ways for his department to handle violence at protests after six people were arrested at a park during a protest of U.S. military action in Syria.

The Florida Times-Union reports that the protests on Friday escalated into a confrontation between a counter-protester holding a Donald Trump flag and anti-war demonstrators.

Police say officers were struck as they tried to break up the melee. Video showed an officer punching a protester who police say resisted arrest. No one was seriously hurt.

Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams says the violence reflects a new dynamic that is prompting him to look at how protests are managed.

The ACLU of Florida says it is concerned about the arrests and is investigating.